BD is the only optical storage standard capable of storing up to 25 Gigabytes on a single layer disc and 50 Gigabytes on a dual layer disc. Such capacity is becoming increasingly desirable as consumers worldwide gain access to high definition television (HDTV) and BD will enable them to record full length feature films using high-definition MPEG2 encoding. BD will also significantly increase the archiving capacity for PC users who want to archive photographs, video and other data on their hard disks.
"The rise of digital TV," says Cor Saris, CEO of Philips Optical Storage, "means that consumers will want to record their high-definition content onto a high capacity 25/50 GB BD disc, but still want to record their standard definition content on a DVD+R or DVD+RW disc."
"The annual market for DVD recordable media is projected to reach 5.1 billion discs by 2007, " Saris continues. "By combining the success of CD and DVD recording with Blu-ray in a single all-in-one writer, we will definitely accelerate the acceptance of this new format in the PC and consumer markets."
BD integrates infrared, red and blue wavelength lasers with a single detector. By managing this technical feat, Philips has succeeded in developing a flexible, and compact, triple-writer OPU. The OPU81 is designed for mass production and will meet mass consumer price levels. It is also a clear indication of Philips' commitment to introducing new technologies in mass volume applications.
Philips is a leading member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, a group of over 90 companies dedicated to encouraging the development and acceptance of the BD format. The group includes virtually all major consumer electronics companies as well as the world's leading PC and blank media manufacturers. Among its members are Dell, Hewlett-Packard, Hitachi, LG Electronics, Matsushita (Panasonic), Mitsubishi, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, TD, Thomson and Twentieth Century Fox.
Related stories:
Universal Music Group Joins Blu-ray Disc Association
Universal Music Group (UMG) has joined the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) as a contributing member. The addition of Universal Music Group to the BDA's current lineup of more than 140 leading companies in the hardware, software, consumer electronics and information technology industries is expected to have a major impact on how music is created and enjoyed by consumers.
Blu-ray Disc Association Adds New Copy Protection Features
In a move to protect against illegal copying and large scale piracy while leaving consumers the flexibility to manage and enjoy copies of their legally purchased content, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has adopted the most comprehensive content management system ever employed on an optical disc format. The Blu-ray Disc content management system includes three primary components: Advanced Access Content System (AACS), "BD+", a Blu-ray specific enhancement for content protection renewability, and "ROM Mark", a measure unique to Blu-ray Disc to guard against mass production piracy or the mass duplication and sale of unauthorized copies of pre-recorded media.
Philips demonstrates its state-of-the-art Blu-ray Disc capabilities at CES
Philips Electronics, a world leader in optical storage and a founding member of the Blu-ray Disc Association is demonstrating advanced
Blu-ray Disc products and solutions at this year's CES exhibition (January 6 – 9, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA). These demonstrations include a prototype
all-on-one PC writer that reads and writes CD, DVD and Blu-ray Discs and a development prototype Blu-ray Disc video recorder that delivers stunning high-definition TV pictures.
HP Unveils Next Phase of its Digital Entertainment Strategy
Company announces industry's first HDTV media hub, next-generation HP Digital Entertainment Centers, and a full line of new TVs and projectors
In advance of the annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, HP today kicked off the next phase of its digital entertainment push by announcing a set of products and partnerships that build on the company's strategy to deliver simplicity, innovation, personalization and mass-market pricing.
Optware Makes Bold Move To Standardize Holographic Versatile Disc
OPTWARE Corporation, a developer of Holographic Information Storage Products, today jointly announced with its Partners that Ecma International, the industry association dedicated to standardization of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has approved the creation of a new Technical Committee to undertake
standardization of Holographic Information Storage Systems, initially based upon the proprietary Collinear Technologies of OPTWARE. At its 88th meeting of the Ecma General Assembly held 9th December 2005, Ecma approved a Proposal submitted by OPTWARE and several of its Partners, including CMC Magnetics Corporation, FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD., PULSTEC INDUSTRIAL CO.,LTD., Strategic Media Technology and TOAGOSEI CO.,LTD. to create TC44.
Blu-Ray Dics Physical Specification Approved and Available to Disc Manufacturers
Blu-ray Disc Founders said that they've approved version 1.0 of the Blu-ray Discs physical format spec. Players and discs are not expected to be available until late 2005. Blu-ray is expected to replace VCRs and current DVD technology within a few years. The format is also likely to become a standard for PC data storage and
high-definition movies in the future.
HP and Philips to Begin Licensing Video Content Protection System
HP and Philips today announced that their Video Content Protection System (VCPS), formerly called Vidi, has received approval from the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and will now be offered to manufacturers through a license program. VCPS-enabled products will allow consumers to record
video from
digital television (DTV) broadcasts under the FCC's Broadcast Flag regulation. VCPS is designed to be used with DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD+R DL optical discs.
'Sun-eating dragon' returns to China
Earth, the Sun and the Moon will align in a celestial ballet on Friday, rewarding China, where the first record of an eclipse was made more than 4,000 years ago, with a dazzling show. Longingly awaited, the first total solar eclipse since March 2006 kicks off at 0923 GMT, when the lunar shadow touches down on the fringes of Nunavut province in northern Canada.